Washington's Books and Papers. (To accompany amendment to bill H.R. no. 283.). April 1, 1834. Report by the Committee on Foreign Affairs, to which has been referred a resolution, directing them to inquire into the expediency of purchasing the library and official and private papers of General Washington, to be deposited in the Department of State, have had the same under consideration, and report:
[Washington, D.C.:]: Gales & Seaton, print. 1834. 4 pp. 8vo. Removed. First edition. A very good copy with light foxing on first leaf, removed from a larger volume. Item #43092
23d Congress, 1st Session. Ho. of Reps. Rep. No. 381. Archer wrote: "From evidence annexed it appears that the papers in question comprise an immense mass of information intimately connected with the history of our country, from the year of 1752 to 1799. They embrace papers in relation to the French war, Braddock's defeat, and other interesting events prior to the Revolution. The papers immediately in connection with the Revolution are of great interest and vast moment. These comprise the correspondence of George Washington with Congress, the Governors of the States, the Officers of the army, both American and foreign, and, in a word, everything connected with his long and arduous duties as Commander-in-chief. The next epoch which they include is that in relation to the formation of the Government, and the adoption of the Constitution, and the history of his administration, comprised in thirteen volumes; and thirteen volumes containing records and transactions between the President and the Departments from 1789 to 1797; and also the journal of the President." Includes letter from Jared Sparks outlining contents and probably value. Congress appropriated $25,000, by act approved June 30, 1834, for the purchase of the official papers and a portion of the printed books of General Washington from George C. Washington. A further appropriation of $20,000 was made in 1849 for the purchase of the private papers which had been reserved from the 1834 sale. OCLC locates two copies: Huntington and Fred W. Smith Lib. at Mount Vernon.
Price: $250.00